2017 – 10 Whistler Christmas Events for Families

With lots of snow falling on the slopes of Whistler and Blackcomb, I can’t help but have a touch of envy for those families lucky enough to spend Christmas and New Year’s in the mountains. From sleigh rides to skiing Santas….you just can’t imagine a more festive setting. Even a hot chocolate and a stroll down decked out Main Street is enough to get a temperamental toddler or Grinchy teen in the holiday spirit. Read on for this year’s lineup of family-friendly holiday activities and events in Whistler Village.

1. Ice Skating at Olympic Plaza

Throughout the Christmas season, the ice skating rink at Olympic Plaza is a hub of activity. Skating is always free and skate rentals are $6 (helmets are available free of charge). Don’t miss Skate with Santa on Sun. Dec.17th from 2:30pm-4:30pm. Kids will also enjoy free entertainment and activities around the rink during “Family Après” on all Mondays & Wednesdays from Dec 18, 2017 – Mar 28, 2018 (excluding Dec 25)

Image Credit: Mike Crane – Tourism Whistler

2. Visit Santa at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Catch up with Santa as he visits the lobby of Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Photo opportunities with Old Saint Nick are December 24th from 4-5:30 PM and December 25 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM and again from 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

3. Christmas Eve Carol Service

Join the Whistler Children’s Chorus and Whistler Singers for traditional carols and choral music at the Westin Resort and Spa (Dec. 24th 6:30pm – 7:30pm). This annual event has been a Whistler Village tradition 34 years ! Entry is by donation.

4. The Village Stroll Lights

Grab a hot chocolate from the Blenz cafe beside the popular Children’s playground at Olympic Plaza, followed by a stroll down Main Street to enjoy all the pretty lights. Along the way there are plenty of things to keep children amused, including climbing on the Olympic rings, sitting in a real bobsled and playing under dancing lights.

Image Credit: Mike Crane – Tourism Whistler

5. Sleigh Rides in Whistler

Book your own “one horse open sleigh” for a ride on Blackcomb Mountain. This 50 minute tour, with amazing views of the lights of Whistler village, makes a stop at a cozy cabin where your family can warm up in front of the fire with a nice mug of cocoa. This is an extremely popular family Christmas activity, so be sure to book as soon as possible. See website for more information.

6. The Whistler Conference Center Holiday Experience

During the Christmas holiday season, the Whistler Convention Centre is transformed into a huge children’s fun zone. Kids can enjoy mini golf, bouncy castles, arts and crafts, video games and more while mom and dad grab a coffee or hot chocolate from the parent’s lounge. The best part is…it is absolutely free ! (Dec.22nd – Jan. 4th, 2018, closed Dec.25th and 31st). Learn more at https://www.whistler.com/christmas/

Image Credit: Mike Crane – Tourism Whistler

7. Whistler Public Library Holiday Events 2017

The Whistler Public Library hosts a number of free Christmas events leading up to Christmas Eve including special holiday crafts, caroling and more. See the Whistler Public Library full calendar of events here.

8. The Fire and Ice Show

Fireworks, fire spinners and big air…what more can you ask for? Watch Whistler’s top skiers and riders jump through rings of fire every Sunday evening (including Dec. 24th) at the Whistler Village Base starting at 6:30pm. On New Year’s Eve there will be a special Fire and Ice Show at 11:30pm. Learn more here.

Image Credit : Mike Crane – Tourism Whistler

9. Whistler Winter Solstice Celebrate

On December 21st, 2017 come celebrate Canada’s 150 in the Winter Solstice Lantern parade. Bring your lanterns and join in a night of lanterns, lights and entertainment to brighten the darkest day of the year. The parade starts at the Maury Young Arts Centre at 5 PM and will wave through the Village along the Cultural Connector route. The procession will culminate with live music, roving entertainers and activities for the whole family on the Village Stroll by Whistler Olympic Plaza.

10. Family New Year’s Eve in Whistler 2016

A family-style celebration at two unique ticketed venues within Whistler Village. Each venue will be filled with lively entertainment, games, crafts, activities and early kids NYE countdowns. Bundle up and join us in Skier’s Plaza for a special edition Fire & Ice show plus a dazzling fireworks at midnight.

The Whistler New Year’s Eve Celebration venues are recommended for ages 3-13. Children must be accompanied by an adult. There is a teen dance for ages 13-17. These venues will be open from 6 – 11 p.m. and will feature arts, crafts, entertainment, a teen dance, music and exciting performances, to name a few.

Wristbands are available now ($12.50) here. Children 2 and under are free.

Starting at 11:30 p.m. in Skiers Plaza there will be a special edition Fire & Ice Show plus a dazzling fireworks at midnight. Please be sure to bundle up.

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